Views wanted on plans to enforce moving traffic offences in Maidstone and Sittingbourne

Kent County Council is proposing to use powers under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 to enforce moving traffic offences using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. These powers, approved by Parliament in 2022, allow councils outside London to take enforcement action where drivers ignore traffic restrictions.

The proposals form part of a countywide programme aimed at improving safety, keeping traffic moving and making bus services more reliable.

Proposed locations

The three locations being consulted on are:

• King Street, Maidstone - Pedestrian and cycle zone
  Cameras are proposed at the eastern end of King Street, where only buses, hackney carriage taxis, cyclists and pedestrians are permitted. Enforcement would target unauthorised vehicles using the route as a shortcut, which has led to safety concerns and disruption to bus services.
• High Street / Fairmeadow junction, Maidstone - Yellow box junction
  Enforcement is proposed at the yellow box junction on the Maidstone gyratory, where vehicles frequently block the junction during busy periods. This can cause congestion and delay buses on this key public transport route.
• Great Easthall Way, Sittingbourne - Bus gate
  Cameras are proposed at the bus gate between Freeman Drive and Oak Road, where only local buses are permitted. Past misuse of the route led to delays, safety issues and contributed to the withdrawal of a bus service in 2019. Bus operators have said they would consider reinstating the service if enforcement is introduced.

Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We are keen to hear the views of residents, businesses and road users who are affected by the proposed enforcement of moving traffic restrictions in Maidstone and Sittingbourne.

“Feedback from those who live, work and travel in these areas is an important part of the process and will help inform any future decisions.

“Once the consultation has closed, a report summarising the responses received will be considered before any decision is taken on how to proceed.”

If approved, the sites would be monitored using ANPR cameras to identify vehicles breaking the restrictions. Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) would be issued to drivers who commit offences such as entering a bus-only route, stopping in a yellow box junction when the exit is not clear, or driving through a restricted pedestrian and cycle zone.

Any decision to proceed would be made after consultation feedback is reviewed.